Karen Elaine Mills, born February 20, 1938, lived a long, beautiful life filled with love, creativity, and a unique humor (bordering on sarcasm) that made the world around her feel lighter. She stepped into eternity on Sunday, May 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as enduring as the 71 memorable years she devoted to her husband, William A. Mills.

Karen was the daughter of Art and Juanita Allison, and she cherished her family roots. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings — sisters Charlotte Copeland and Ann Glass, and brother Steve Allison — each of whom she loved deeply.  Anyone who knew Karen knew how fiercely she adored her sisters and brother; that bond was one of the great joys of her life.  She is survived by sister Ellen (Dave) Distler, whom she loved and was very close to as well.

Karen attended Southport High School and later graduated from Decatur Central High School.  She enjoyed attending several classes at IUPUI. Karen carried her love of learning throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Homemakers Club and an active, faithful member of Southport Presbyterian Church.  Her faith wasn't just something she believed — it was something she lived. At one time, she spearheaded the "Walk in the Bible" program at church, pouring her heart into helping others grow spiritually.  She also became "everyone's mom" to her daughter's friends and her fellow co-workers, offering guidance, meals, and the kind of open‑door warmth that made her home a safe place for many.

Karen had a creative spirit and hands that were rarely still.  She loved painting, quilting, crafts, and flowers — each one an expression of her eye for beauty and her desire to make life a little brighter for others.  She also loved traveling, especially to Maine, where her daughter Cindy lived.  Those trips were filled with family, laughter, and the kind of memories that stay stitched into the heart.

She is survived by her husband Bill and daughters, who carry forward her strength, humor, and resilience: Cindy (Tim) Schroder of Glenburn, Maine, Debbie (Jeff) Wilson of Greenwood, Indiana, Liz (Dave) DeLong of Greenwood, Indiana.

Karen was blessed with grandchildren she adored: Tara (Jason) Spencer, Tyson (Kim) Schroder, Keith Wilson, Darcy (David) Parks, and Denise (Zac) Augustine. She also leaves behind nine great‑grandchildren, each one a bright spark of joy in her later years.

Karen lived with kindness, resilience, and a sparkle in her eye that suggested she always knew a little more than she let on. Her family will remember her laugh, her wisdom, her creativity, and the way she could make a room feel warmer just by being in it.

Though she has left this world, Karen's spirit remains woven into the hearts of those who loved her.  Her life reminds us to cherish each other, to laugh often, to create beauty where we can, and to hold tight to the people who make our days brighter.

She will be deeply missed — and lovingly remembered — every single day.

Pastor Glen Massey will conduct a service on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 12 noon at Southport Presbyterian Church, 7525 McFarland Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46237 at 12PM.  Visitation will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 11AM until service time at the church.  Burial will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at West Newton Cemetery, 6701 Milton Street, Indianapolis, IN 46221 at 3:30PM.  Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.  Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.